special features - christmas cronicle

INDEPENDENTSTETTLERTHE

THE STETTLER

Chronicle2012

Stettler Stettler singssingsJoy Joy

to the to the WorldWorld

By Richard FroeseStettler Independent

For many people away from family and home, Christmas can be a lonely time of year.

While my home church, Stettler Alliance Church, has become my special faith family, it just doesn’t seem to be the same.

With most of my family back in British Columbia in the Fraser Valley, I do enjoy the special times I experience at the homes of Stettler-area people with their extended families at this joyous Christmastime.

During the festive time, it’s vitally important to

make sure everyone is around the dinner table with family and friends and others in the community to assure everyone shares in the season of love and care.

Living here in Alberta away from home for the past 10 years, I defi nitely appreciate the warm and open arms and homes of families and friends.

For those less fortunate or impoverished, Christmas and the cold season can be very lonely and often-times deadly, especially when no one offers a warm meal, heart and home.

In this resource and agriculture-rich province of Alberta, no one should go hungry — at Christmastime and otherwise.

As more people also travel and leave their families, or are working away from home at this time, opportunities like a community Christmas dinner are welcoming, just like Stettler Alliance Church and Freedom Christian Fellowship will

host again this year.When I refl ect on

my great memories of Christmas, family and church were the focal festivities, strongly valued in my Mennonite Brethren heritage.

For the church, the Sunday school Christmas program was the major event as each child anxiously waited to get a goodie bag with an orange, candy, candy cane and chocolate bar after the dramatic presentation.

While my home church held a Christmas Day morning service, that changed in the mid-1980s, when it introduced a Christmas Eve service in the world-class Harrison Hotel, as guests from far and wide shared in the universal celebration.

At home, we opened our gifts Christmas morning, after breakfast and after dishes were done, before we would have to hurry off to church. Christmas gatherings with extended

families of both my father and mother were always exciting.

On my mother’s side, my grandfather and grand-mother were always so fair about their gifts that all the grandsons and grand-daughters in similar age ranges would each get the same gifts, even with the name on the gift, such as a pillowcase or tuque matching our favourite National Hockey League team.

Grandma also made sure each person received a gift of equal value, even if she had to chip in a few cents or dollars.

Oh, to relive all those great Christmas memories, wouldn’t that be grand.

May your memories of Christmas be treasured just as much, wherever you will be home for the holidays.

As we all focus on Christmas, let’s be sure we give with a spirit of love and care for everyone, especially those less fortunate and away from home.

- Christmas Chronicle Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Commentary:

Christmas fellowship warms hearts near and far from home

With tidings of comfort and joy,we extend bright wishes.

We greatly appreciate yourfriendship and goodwill.

Left to Right: Ron Matchett, Brock Anderson, Don Hewlett, Dean Hewlett, Monte Turre, and Scott Roberts.Missing: Bryce Fisher, Sophie Hewlett and Julie Nixon.

From the staff at

–And wish you allthe trimmingsof a very merryand festiveseason.

to say,

Thanks!

'TIS THESEASON

Box 4594302 - 44 Ave., Stettler, AB T0C 2L0

For more information call

403-742-4216

Larry, Angela, Faye & Troy

On behalf of Town of Stettler On behalf of Town of Stettler Council and Staff I would like Council and Staff I would like to extend warmest wishes for a to extend warmest wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year! At this Prosperous New Year! At this happy and joyous time of happy and joyous time of year please remember those less year please remember those less fortunate than ourselves. Enjoy fortunate than ourselves. Enjoy your time with your families your time with your families and loved ones and if you are and loved ones and if you are travelling please be safe. travelling please be safe.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from our families to yours. May Peace from our families to yours. May Peace and Joy of the Season be with you.and Joy of the Season be with you.

~Mayor Dick Richards ~~Mayor Dick Richards ~Christmas hristmas Messageessage

Wednesday, December 12, 2012 Christmas Chronicle -

By Les StulbergStettler Independent

Many family memories are tied to Christmas.

Seniors from Stettler’s three lodges — Heart Haven, Willow Creek and Paragon Place — are among those who treasure such golden moments.

Those were simpler times and they contrast sharply with some of the lavish Christmas celebrations of today, but they still produced meaningful memories.

Some of those seniors shared Christmas stories from their childhood:

Lois BallingerLois Ballinger recalled

that during her childhood, her Uncle Harry’s family used to spend Christmas with them.

“We kids would watch from an upstairs window — waiting to see them come — and would get quite excited at the first glimpse of their team and sleigh as it rounded the hills,” she said.

“Christmas was the most special occasion of the year. Our Christmas was plain — not fancy — we were just happy to be together.”

Ballinger remembered

Christmas having a traditional turkey dinner, while the coal and wood stove would be covered in pots.

“You had to be careful to keep an even heat on a coal and wood stove,” she said.

One less-traditional food Ballinger’s mother made each Christmas was a tomato and creamed corn dish.

“Some of us liked it — and some didn’t,” she said with a laugh.

There was always a lot of snow then, and after dinner, the children would go sleigh-riding

or skiing on the hills or skating on the slough, Ballinger said.

She remembered mittens hanging on the oven door to dry.

Ballinger recalled decorations being basic red-and-green crepe paper streamers strung from the corners of the room to the centre of the ceiling.

“If you were lucky,

you had some paper bells to hang in the centre.,” she said.

“Gifts weren’t expensive enough for anyone to be jealous.”

Christmas concerts were popular at Rustle School

“Mr. McBride was always Santa, and most of us kids were terrified,” Ballinger said with a laugh.

Doreen KneelandDoreen Kneeland

remembered that as a child, her family always had a bachelor neighbour, Charlie Hammil, join them for Christmas — and the Nicholson family would come in the afternoon.

One of the “big things” about Christmas during her childhood was that she would get a new store-bought dress for the Christmas concert each

year, Kneeland said.“At the concert, Santa

would hand out bags with an orange, a candy cane and a few hard candies.

“We always had a live tree — Dad would cut our own tree. The decorations were mainly homemade.”

Continued on Page 4

Seniors relish Christmas memories— with or without all the trimmings

Canada’s Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines were developed by an independent team of Canadian & international experts, for the National Alcohol Strategy Advisory Committee (NASAC). The guidelines are

a key part of the National Alcohol Strategy. Visit www.ccsa.ca for more information.

Highway 12 Communities forDrug Prevention wishes you a

Happy and Healthy Christmas

ForLow Riskguidelines“a drink”means:

341 ml (12 oz.) bottle of 5% alcohol

content (beer,cider or cooler)

142 ml (5 oz.) glass of wine

with 12% alcohol content 43 ml (1.5 oz.)

serving of 40% distilled alcohol

content (rye,gin, rum, etc.)

Source: Canada’s Low Risk Drinking Guidelines; Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse

Support Your Healthy Lifestyle• Set limits & stick to it.• Drink Slowly – no more than 2 drinks in 3 hours.• Alternate between an alcoholic drink and a non alcoholic drink.

Practice Low Risk Drinking - Adults reduce yourlong-term health risks by drinking no more than:

• 10 drinks a week for women & no more than 2 drinks a day• 15 drinks a week for men with no more than 3 drinks a day*Plan non drinking days each week to avoid creating a habit

Special Occasions - Reduce risk of injury/harm:• Drink no more than 3 drinks (for women) or 4 drinks (for men) on any single occasion.• Drink in a safe environment. Stay within your planned limits.

Zero is the limit when:• Driving a Vehicle,• Pregnant or Planning to be Pregnant,• Responsible for the Safety of Others,• Living with Alcohol Dependency• Taking Medication (or other drugs) that may Interact with Alcohol

Warmest wishes from yourfriends at Tim Hortons.

© Tim Hortons, 2008

Wishing everyone in our community the happiest of holidays. Best

wishes for the New Year from Rene Bernard and the team members

at your local Tim Hortons in Stettler.

Wishing everyone in our community the happiest of holidays. Best

wishes for the New Year from René Bernard and the team members

at your local Tim Hortons in Stettler.

LOIS BALLINGER DOREEN

KNEELAND

Continuedfrom Page 3

She said her family had a traditional Christmas turkey dinner and her mother would make mincemeat tarts, steamed pudding and popcorn balls.

Her father had relatives in England, and during the years that country was going through rationing, her parents would send packages containing bacon, sugar, butter and Christmas cake, Kneeland said. “We only got one gift from Santa and one gift from Mom and Dad.”

May KnowlesMay Knowles grew up

in during the hard times of the 1930s, when there were few luxuries, even at Christmas.

A highlight of the year was the Christmas concert, held in the one-room school she attended.

She recalled going to the concert by horse-drawn sleigh and that there wasn’t enough room in the school barn for all the horses, so some had to be covered with blankets.

The teacher taught grades 1 to 9, and she tried to involve everyone in the concert in some way, Knowles said.

“A box of oranges would be passed around at the concert — that

was the only time we got oranges.”

She remembered the family’s Christmas tree as not having many store-bought decorations.

“We would string popcorn for the tree and make crepe paper streamers.”

Gifts were mostly homemade socks, mitts, tuques and scarves, Knowles said.

She remembered that families had to make their own entertainment.

“We lived by a small lake, so we shovelled the snow off by hand and flooded a spot to make it smoother by hauling barrels of water on a hand-pulled sleigh,” Knowles said.

“People were very good at visiting one another as neighbours then and a lot of card games were played.”

Lydia MorlockGrowing up, Lydia

Morlock always went to church before Christmas.

“We all learned a Christmas verse to recite,” she said.

“The Christmas tree had candles on it — they were in little cups clipped onto the tree.”

Another happy memory was that her mother would always sew new dresses for Morlock and her sisters each Christmas.

She also recalled the Christmas dinner being either goose or turkey.

“Mom would bake for the whole week before Christmas, making Ger-man Christmas cookies, other cookies that were cut into shapes, fruit cake and a dessert strudel with a sweetened cheese filling,” Morlock said.

Continuedon Page 5


‘One gift from Santa’

Kerry, Marj& staff

atFive Star

Fuels

wishes youa very Merry

ChristmasWe would like to take this timeto thank all of our customers

for their support.We wish you good health andhappiness in the New Year.

Crystal, Robin, GeorgeWinnie, Emily and Sharon

STETTLER PETROLEUM

Pat and staff at Burmac Mechanical would like to wish all of our customers a happy holiday season and thank them for their patronage and patience

during this busy year that we have had.

Phone 403-742-5208

Back Row: Ryan Bolin, Pat Bolin, Jeremy Yanke, Melanie White, Marty Cann, Terry MacPherson, Shawn Charbonneau. Front Row: Tyler Bauman, Justin Anderson,

Robyn Derr, Amber Smith. Front Center: Bill Lakusta

BacBack Rk Rk Row:ow: RR Ryanyan BBo Bolinlin PP, Patat kkkee, MMMeMelMelaniiani We We Whihithitee, MMarMarttyty CCanCannn, mm Yy Yy Y kankankanB lBolBoliinin, JJe Jerere

this Holiday Season

With Warm Wishes

“Wishing you all the best of the season”From Terry, Linda, Lori, Adrice and Karen at

LANDMAN REULE LAW OFFICE4819 - 51 Street 403-742-3411

MAY KNOWLES

LYDIA MORLOCK



“Dad would buy a box of oranges at Christmas — that was a luxury, for we never had oranges anytime but Christmas.”

She remembered going to the Christmas concert in a team and sleigh.

“We all got a little bag of candy, which was a real treat.”

She recalled that presents were mainly clothes and that they “didn’t have much for decorations.”

Verna NelsonVerna Nelson recalled

her childhood Christmases were always spent with their neighbours, the Sorensens.

“My Mom was the best cook ever,” Nelson said.

“She made a steamed Christmas pudding every Christmas — a recipe she brought with her from the Orkney Islands.”

Nelson said gifts were often ordered from the Eaton’s catalogue and she remembered getting a doll at Christmas.

She reminisced about the Christmas concerts at Ideal Valley School.

“Planks were put out for people to sit on,” Nelson said. “After the concert program, Santa Claus came in through the window.

“I remember Ivan Schoonover told me there was no such thing as Santa Claus — I was devastated.

“My happiest times

were when we were all together for Christmas.”

Gertie SavageGertie Savage’s

Christmas memories go back further than most, because she’s 101 years

old. She was one of 12 children in her family.

“We didn’t have much money, so presents were mostly homemade,” Savage said.

She recalled times when her family didn’t have a traditional evergreen tree

for a Christmas tree.“Dad would cut down

a poplar tree and we would wrap the branches in Christmas wrapping paper that was left from the Christmas concert,” Savage said.

“To get a bag of candy

at the Christmas concert was a real treat.”

Savage remembered the cooking at Christmas as being “so good, because everything was homemade.”

Continued on Page 6

Century worth of memories for Savage

Season’sGreetings

Stettler Funeral Home & Crematorium

At this Christmas Season we Remember & Honorthose who are no longer

with us & cherish those who are

Barry Haner

Dean Ross

Verna Rock

Corinne Nattestad

Wes Carey

Sharon Kempf

Tim, Rita & staff

4706 - 44 Ave., Stettler 403-742-5237

During this holiest of seasons and throughout the year, may the blessings of love and joy echo throughout your heart and home.

It's been our pleasure to serve you this past year, and we're grate-ful for the loyal support you've shown us. Thanks, friends and

please accept our sincere wishes for a happy holiday.

Wherever you go,we wish you a world

of happiness thisholiday season!

Thank you for yourpatronage.

BestwayTravel

5006 - 50 Street,Stettler

403-742-8290

“Maybe Christmasdoesn’t come from a store.

Maybe Christmas means a little bit more.” - The Grinch JJTTAuto Auto Body Ltd.Body Ltd.

4606 - 40 Street,4606 - 40 Street,StettlerStettler

403-742-2869403-742-2869

With greetings andWith greetings andgratitude from all of usgratitude from all of us

to all of you at thisto all of you at thisjoyous time of year.joyous time of year.

We are proud to serveWe are proud to servepeople like you and people like you and

thankthankyou for your continuedyou for your continued

support.support.

Merry Christmas!Merry Christmas!

VERNA NELSON

GERTIE SAVAGE


Agnes SorensenFor Agnes Sorensen,

like many of her generation, the Christmas concert was the highlight of the season.

She remembered taking the sheets from home to make the curtains for the stage at the school concert.

She also recalled her mother making Scottish shortbread and Christmas pudding each Christmas — a tradition she has kept up until recently.

“Gifts were pretty

basic — we were lucky to get a colouring book, or something like that,” Sorensen said.

She said that for many years, her family and the Somerville family would alternate having Christmas and New Year’s celebrations together.

“We would go by team and sleigh for Christmas dinner, and later in the afternoon, the men would go home to do chores, and then come back again by team and sleigh to play cards late into the evening,” she said.

“It was not often that we had a Christmas tree.”


Sheets from home used as concert curtains

Holiday train raises money for food banks

The Board and Staff of

ClearviewPublic Schools

During this Christmas season, we hope thateveryone experiences the joy of Christmas and

continues in the spirit of community.

Happy Holidays and all the best in the New Year from everyone at Clearview Public Schools.

Clearview Public Schools…success is measured one child at a time.

CLEA

RVIEW PUBLIC

SCHOOLS

Gitzel Krejci Gitzel Krejci Dand PetersonDand Peterson

GG KKPPDD

Wishing everyone in our fine community a joyous holiday season.

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS4912 - 51 Street, P.O. Box 460,

Stettler, Alberta

403-742-4431

Season’s Greetings Season’s Greetings We would like to take

this opportunity to express our sincere thanks

to all our customers. We hope you have

a safe & happy holiday & look forward to serving you

in the New Year.Sean’s

AGNESSORENSEN

Canadian Pacific’s holi-day-train program launched in late November for a 14th year of supporting local food banks along its North American rail network and making a difference one stop at a time.

On Nov. 28, the Canadian holiday train kicked off the cross-Canada journey from Beaconsfield, Que., while the U.S. “train of lights” be-gan its trek through the U.S. northeast and midwest from Scranton, Pa.

The U.S. holiday train made its first stops on Nov. 27 in Kahnawake, Delson and Lacolle, Que., prior to beginning its U.S. journey.

The two holiday trains, each decorated with hun-dreds of thousands of LED festive lights, plan to reach more than 150 communities with its mission of help-ing food shelves feed the hungry in their neighbour-hoods.

Entertaining crowds at the holiday train events from the special boxcar stages are Brothers Dube, Miss Em-ily and Doc Walker on the

Canadian train, and Tracey Brown and The Claytones on the U.S. train.

Holiday train support-ers are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items or money to donate at the event.

Making this year’s U.S. holiday-train program even more important is the Hur-ricane Sandy disaster. At each U.S. holiday-train stop, corporate and com-munity donations made to the local food pantry will be matched by CP.

The matching donation, up to $250,000 US, will be provided to Feeding Amer-ica, whose member food banks are continuing to pro-vide food and other supplies to those affected by Hurri-cane Sandy.

Since 1999, the holiday-train program has raised close to $6.4 million and about 2.6 million pounds of food for North Ameri-can food banks. Everything raised in the local commu-nity stays in that commu-nity.

More information is available at www.cpr.ca. Supporters can join the holiday train on Facebook and follow the progress on Twitter: @CPHolidaytrain.

— CNW

Wishing you and yours a dose of good cheer and a largemeasure of happiness this holiday season. We’re proud to

care for people like you, and thank you for your trust in us.



Christmas without a turkey or ham dinner is like the turkey without the stuffi ng.

While many people will enjoy a mouth-watering free Christmas dinner with family and friends at “home,” others with no family members nearby are invited to the second annual traditional Christmas dinner on Christmas Day at the Stettler Legion.

Two local churches have opened their hearts to bring people together in the spirit of the season.

“We invite anyone who is alone for Christmas Day — tourists, workers away from home and family, seniors and those who wouldn’t otherwise have Christmas dinner that day,” said Scott Whitford, the lead pastor at Stettler Alliance Church.

The Alliance Church is a partner with Freedom Christian Fellowship for the Christmas dinner at the Stettler branch of the

Royal Canadian Legion.“This is something the

whole community needs to get behind, because it is people in the community who are often left behind and alone at Christmas,” Sean Unkauf said.

“This is the time of year when love is really needed the most.”

A traditional Christmas dinner is set for 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the Stettler Legion.

“It will be a hot, full-course meal with turkey and ham, potatoes, vegetables and salads, dessert, coffee, tea and juice,” Whitford said.

Churches will supply the meat, while people from the congregations will prepare and provide the other food.

“We also plan to have carol singing to add to the spirit of the day,” Whitford said.

The meal is a way to share love with people in the community at a special time of year, he said.

“The dinner provides a sense of belonging,

because Christmas can be a lonely time for a lot of people.

“Part of our faith is the desire to love our community and this is a great way to extend that love.

“Christmas is about giving, and not everyone receives that love or joy at Christmas.”

Last year, about a dozen people were overwhelmed with the meal they received

from the Alliance Church, Whitford said.

“There were a lot of people who were joyously surprised that somebody thought about them on Christmas Day to provide this meal.”

For more information, phone Whitford at 403-742-1135 or Unkauf at 403-742-2645.

Churches open arms to hostcommunity Christmas dinner

Christmas is such a wonderful time because it brings family and friends together in celebration. We hope

all your family and friends are able to gather together to share this very special time of year.

Thank you for your business andHappy Holidays from our home to yours.

Granny's Fudge403-876-2233

Muhlbach Electric Ltd.403-876-2587

Jensen Contract Flooring403-876-2574

Lori's Leather Repair403-876-2001

We’re really gratefulto have friends and neighbors like you!

From the staff ofTervita Earth

Matters Big Valley.Have a safe and

joyous holiday season!

MERRYCHRISTMAS

403.876.2636 Big Valley, AB

The physicians & staffof the Heartland Medical Clinic would like to wish each and everyone a joyous

holiday season and a prosperous & healthy

New Year.

HEARTLAND MEDICAL CLINIC


Canada Post reminds Canadians not to let spammers spoil holidays

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTING

IF IT'S ELECTRICAL, WE DO IT

ELECTRIC(2006) INC.

5002 - 46 St.Stettler

403-742-5111

We’re making a list of all the people we’d like to send a big thanks to this year and your name is on it!

With Best wishes for a very joyous and merry season.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year From Kirk & Tera Blake

and staff at

10

Ev

p

e

er

e!

40

MennoniteYouth

ChristmasProgram

MennoniteChurch

10 miles Southof Stettler on Hwy 56

& 2 miles East

Sunday, Dec. 167:30 p.m.Everyonewelcome!

For moreinformation

Phone: 403-742-3764or 403-742-2780

59th STREETLIQUOR STORE

Hwy. 56, South

403-742-4540

Merry Christmas and many thanks for your

loyal support.

stock up on

JOY! May your Christmas holiday Be filled with glad tidings every dayAnd when the holiday is through, May our best wishes remain with you!

Nev & staff403-742-0999

C

s

Coffee TreeCoffee Shop

Wishing you and your loved ones, peace, health, happiness

and prosperity in thecoming New Year.

A new spam email bear-ing the brands of various shipping companies has recently surfaced, Canada Post reported this month.

The email highlights an unsuccessful delivery and suggests clicking on a link for more information.

While holiday shoppers are expecting to receive more parcels this time of year, Canada Post would like to remind everyone to be vigilant, as those emails

could contain viruses.Canada Post advises that

it does not email customers after an unsuccessful de-livery attempt.

To ensure protection against spammers and mal-ware, Canada Post recom-mends the following steps:

If anyone is awaiting a parcel, but didn’t specifical-ly request a delivery update by email, delete the email;

— Anyone who is not expecting a delivery is

asked to delete the email;— Do not click on any

link;— Do not provide any

personal information re-quested by these emails;

— Customers can follow the progress of their item by using the package tracking number, either on canada-post.ca, or through the Can-ada Post mobile app, which can be downloaded for free to all key mobile devices.

— CNW

We wish we could send each and every oneof you a gift, but nothing could compare to the gifts of friendship, loyalty and support

we’ve received from you!

Many thanks and best wishes for a beautifuland joyous holiday season from all of us.

Skaley Skaley Landscaping Landscaping

& Bobcat & Bobcat Services Ltd.Services Ltd.

Phone 403-742-5749


With best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to one and all.

MERRYCHRISTMASfrom our entire team

TORNADO Combustion Technologies Inc.403-244-3333

Best Wishes from All of Us at

C.R. GLASSLTD.403-742-2520

Hwy. 56, next to A & W, Stettler

Randy, Cindy, Michael, Vicky& staff & families

Thank you

for yourgeneroussupport.

W I S H I N G Y O U T H E

Happiest of Happiest of

Cosy

Christmas


4902-51 Street, Stettlerwww.schnell-law.comPh: 403-742-4436

The lawyers & staff of Schnell Hardy Jones wish each of you a joyous holiday seasonand a healthy & prosperous New Year!

5014 - 50 St., Stettler 403-742-4504

Merry Christmas from the staff at

Our vision for all of our customers and goodfriends is a beautiful and bright holiday season

with a clear focus on fun!

The Management and Staff of Brennan Auto Body

would like to thank youfor your patronage over the

past year.

We wish you and yours a very happy holiday season and look

forward to serving you inthe future.

Thank you for your valued business.

“We’re big enough to handle it andsmall enough to care!”

Sending Christmas Greetings Your WayHere’s hoping your holiday is filled

with good cheer!Thanks to our loyal customers.

Reid Volker Construction

Ltd.Stettler 403-742-5288

SANTA’SSANTA’SEXPRESSEXPRESS

Shining bright

at Christmas


Signs of the season are everywhere, and that Signs of the season are everywhere, and that means it’s time to let you know just how much means it’s time to let you know just how much we value your loyal support.we value your loyal support. Thank you!Thank you!

Jim, Amy & Staff Jim, Amy & Staff

Holiday Greetings fromHoliday Greetings fromour Family to Yoursour Family to Yours

GBCCGILBERT BENEFIT CONSULTING

Benefit from ourexperience

As Christmas draws near, we wish you aseason filled with heartwarming memories as

you celebrate with those near and dear to you.

We want you to know that your patronagemeans a lot to us, and we’re proud to have

you as our customer.

Thanks, folks!

First Sale of 2013

Tuesday, Jan. 8Check The Stettler Independent for dates

StettlerAuction Mart(1990) Ltd.403-742-2368

Signs of the season are everywhere and as the holidays approach we wish everyone a Merry Christmas and all the best in the new year.

Mike & Wanda

WEBSTERENTERPRISES

403-741-7795Grain Hauling

By Les StulbergStettler Independent

St. Peter’s Lutheran Church hosts the Stettler Christmas Carol Fest this month.

For many years, the festival had been based

at the Stettler United Church, but it has changed locations this year, partly because of the renovations underway at the United Church.

The popular Christmas event is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 19,

at 7 p.m.“It’s an interchurch

get-together,” said Doug McKay, who is one of the Lutheran Church members organizing the event.

About six groups are expected to participate in the carol festival.

In the past, the United Church, along with the Lutheran, Anglican and Catholic churches, have been joined by groups

like the Heartland Belles and the seniors’ choir.

“Many people look forward to the carol fest,” said Evelyn Shursen, who organized the event at the United Church.

“They say this is when Christmas begins for them — when you can sing Christmas carols as a community.”

In the spirit of the season, the carol fest is open to the public.


Lutheran Church welcomes Christmas carolers

For Christmas DayTwine Mistletoe And HollyFor A Friendship GlowsIn Winter SnowsAnd So Let’s Be Jolly

Merry Christmas and allthe best in the New Year!

STETTLER

Sing Hey! Sing Hey!

Zac and Nathan at

Zac

Nathan

5015 - 50 St., Stettler 403-742-3308

Thank you to our loyal customers and may the Love, Joy and Peace of the Christmas Spirit be with you and your family

during the festive holidays and throughout the year.

From Murray, Mary-Lou & staff at

Holiday Greetingsfrom Us to You

Ph: 403-742-2967www.enviro-tub.com

Manson’s Welding & Canadian

the common sense solutionto secondary containment

May you know the comfort & joy

of God's presence this Christmas

season & always!

403-742-3060

“Good friends are hard to fi nd, harder to leave,and impossible to forget.”

With this thought, we wish you a very Merry Christmas, all the Happiest

Holidays and all the luck the New Year could possibly bring you.

From the staff at

403-742-8889

“Good friends are hard to fi nd, harder to leave,and impossible to forget.”

With this thought, we wish you a very Merry Christmas, all the Happiest

Holidays and all the luck the New Year could possibly bring you.

From the staff at

Stettler & Consort

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year.

A special thank you to thisyear's past customers.

ROD’S HOMEIMPROVEMENTSRod Smith 403-742-3148

Season's GreetingsGRANT & DEVRIESBarristers and Solicitors

Gary Grant403-742-4437

Robert DeVries 403-742-3399

Hope your holiday seasonis fi lled with joy & happiness!With special thanks and best

wishes from all of us.

HAPPY HOLIDAYSHAPPY HOLIDAYS

Sing to the Mountains



Residents in the Stettler, Castor, Forestburg and Bashaw areas showed holiday spirit as a record 1,250 shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child were collected at the Stettler Alliance Church for needy children in Central America.

“This year, we collected 1,247 shoeboxes,” said Christy Brennan, the collection co-ordinator in Stettler. “It’s amazing. It shows great support

and response from the community.”

This year’s count far surpassed last year’s fi gure of 901.

While the Stettler church had inadvertently received a double order of 1,200 boxes from Samaritan’s Purse, that mix-up seemed to drive the region-wide communities even more.

“I guess it was meant to be,” Brennan said. “The response seems to grow and grow from the wider community.

“For a community to double its donation in two

years is awesome,” said lead pastor Scott Whitford. “This is a concerted effort of everyone in the Stettler region and communities beyond, such as Castor, Forestburg and Bashaw.”

“This has really taken off. It’s about sending as many boxes from this region.”

Local shoeboxes were slated to be distributed by Samaritan’s Purse to children in Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Guatemala, El Salvador, Venezuela, Paraguay, Guinea and Equatorial Guinea.

“Many of the children who receive a shoebox are given the fi rst gift they have ever received,” Brennan said.

As the central Alberta regional collection depot, the Stettler church collected from various churches and schools.

“It’s great to instill a giving attitude into our children,” Brennan said.

Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes were collected from various community groups and school-based organizations in the Stettler region.

Operation Christmas Child sets record

RICHARD FROESE/Independent reporter

Operation Christmas Child collected about 1,250 shoeboxes in the Stettler region through late November. Among those sorting the boxes at the Stettler Alliance Church were campaign co-ordinator Christy Brennan, pastor Scott Whitford, Julie Weekes, Judah Auton, Maya Brennan and Marlene Borne.

From our home to yours, we wish you and your loved ones the best holiday season ever!Thank you for your loyal support this year.

JIM RENSCHLER JIM RENSCHLER CONSTRUCTION LTD.CONSTRUCTION LTD.

“37 Years of Experience”Box 22, Botha, Alta.

Fax: 403-742-5311 403-742-5034

A Heartwarming Holiday

4812 - 50 St., Stettler 403-742-2725

“Wanna get fresh?”

It fills us with much joy it's true,To recall the time we've spent with you –

So as we send our gratitude your way.We wish you a happy holiday.

Diane Andrews, owner

Diane, Vivian & staff

Bright Wishes& Warm Regards

4910A - 51 St. Stettler

403-742-6450

Peter, Merlin & Vicki wish youand your family a joyous festive

holiday season.

Thank you fortrusting us with your business in

2012, and we look forward to this continuing partnership in 2013.

TO OUR VALUEDTO OUR VALUEDCUSTOMERS DURING THE CUSTOMERS DURING THE

CHRISTMAS SEASONCHRISTMAS SEASON

BoysFinancial Services

SAVAGE VALUE DRUG MARTScott Savage

403-742-3367

Wishing all our customers, a happy and safe Christmas holiday fi lled with a large measure of peace, joy and merriment.

It's an honour to serve you, and for your faith in us,we are truly grateful.

Wishing you great happiness this holiday and beyond. Knowing you has made our lives brighter. Thanks!We hope we have the pleasure of serving you again very soon.

Shane Menardand staff

Christmas is Almost Here!Christmas is Almost Here!Before the season really takes off, we

wanted to wish everyone all good things for the holidays and beyond.

Thanks so much for your support and continued patronage!

Seams Right Alterations

Cindy Zimmermann 403-742-1537

Dear Santa,I don‛t know how

good I have been this year. How is Mrs. Claus and you, the elves and reindeer?

My list includes Ipod cases, animal sweater, quad, furby, Hello Kitty ice cream maker, Bar-bie and design salon, Barbie sewing machine, Leap Pad 2, Skis and helmet, Panda stuff, win the million, mockasenz, Ipad, Easy-bake cake-pop maker.

Have a nice night, Santa. Drive safe, too, Santa.

From Jasmine Diegel

Dear Santa,I have tried so, so

hard to be good this year. For Christmas, I would like a Happy hippo stuff.

Merry Christmas, and I would really, really like an Ipod.

From Kassy

Dear Santa,A big monster truck,

a lepster Ipad.From Elijah Diegel

Dear Santa,Hi Santa. How are

you? I was a good girl this year. For Christ-mas, I would like: — Fashion Styling Head— Fijit— Crawling Baby— Barbie Horse & Car-riage— Rapunzel Barbie

I would be happy with any toy you bring. Thank you, Kara Wilkie

Four years oldP.S. We will put out some milk and cookies.

Dear Santa,How have you and

the elves and Mrs. Claus been doing?

I have been very good this year. I would like a marble set, Ipod dock and Barbie Styling Head and maybe a figit. I‛ll be happy with whatever you bring me. We will be leaving cookies and milk out for you.

From Brooke Wilkie

Dear Santa,My name is Trayton,

and I am three years old. I have tried to be a good boy this year, and hopefully you think so. For Christmas this year, I would like a re-mote control snake, an

alligator, a shark, the Hulk toy and Dragon toy, too. I also love di-nosaurs and bugs. Thank you for taking time out of your busy day and I promise to be a good boy next year.

Love, Trayton DerrP.S. I would like you to bring my baby brother some toys, too!

Dear Santa,Hello, my name is Selena Sharpe. I am 11 years old. I am writing for my sister, who is 10 months old. Her name is Birelyn

Sharpe. How are you and the reindeer? We will leave some milk and cookies for you. What we want for Christmas: I would like a wii game called slapshot and an Ipod case. My sister — she is to young to tell me. But she does like this show on treehouse called Babble gappies. She would like a movie of bable gappies and an activity cube. Thank you. Love,

Birelyn andSelena Sharpe


AALBERTALBERTAPRAIRIEPRAIRIERAILWAY EXCURSIONSRAILWAY EXCURSIONS Phone 403-742-2811

Located at: 4611 - 47 Ave., Stettler

4902B - 44 Ave., Stettler 403-742-8985

May the comingseason bring peace,

joy and contentment to you and yours.It’s always a

pleasure to seeyou and we hope

you’ll stop in again, soon.

Seniors get 10% off Thursdays

Greetings Of The Season

BESTWISHES

ALL AROUNDHere’s hoping

everything meetsyour specifi cationsfor a great holiday

season.

5002 - 51 Ave.,Stettler

403-742-3385

SCHWARTZ

In the spirit of community, we’ve gathered together to wish our friends, neighbours, customers and associates a very merry season

and a prosperous new year. We’re deeply grateful for your loyal support and look forward to serving you again, soon.

IN THIS SEASON OF GIVING…IN THIS SEASON OF GIVING…

Halkirk Hotel403-884-2044

Village of Halkirk403-884-2464

Wishing you and yours a very blessed Christmas!

Halkirk Snack Shack403-884-2008


As the holidays draw near, we’d like to toll a message of sincere thanks and best wishes to our friends near and far.

May all the best come to you and yours this holiday season.

Shannon & staff Dianne & staff Brandi & staff

Would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmasand Joyous New Year.

STETTLER

Stettler Drumheller Stettler Drumheller

403-742-2035 403-823-7771403-742-2035 403-823-7771

Daryl Nelson

Friendship. Goodwill. Support.We have a lot to be grateful for this holiday season

and we owe it all to you!

Thanks for being such wonderful customersand loyal friends.

GreetingsOF THE SEASON

Here’s hoping all the blessings of the season shine down upon you. May peace and goodwill be our guides as we navigate our

way through the holiday season and beyond.

Thank you for making us a welcome part of this community. Your friendship and goodwill mean so much to us, and we look

forward to many more years of doing business with you.

All the best to you and yours at this special time of year.

6690 - 50 Ave.Stettler

403-742-5600

Merry ChristmasMerry Christmas& Happy New Year& Happy New Year

It’s because we get to thank you for your stopping by! Merry Christmas!

It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year ...And do you know why?

5504 - 51 AvenueStettler, AB

403-742-5859

Dear SantaHow are you this

holiday season? How is Mrs. Claus and the rein-deer doing? One of my friends doesn‛t believe in you, but I don‛t listen to her, because I‛ve be-lieved in you my whole life and I will keep it that way.

I‛ll be sure to leave you some chocolate milk and some cookies for you when you come on Christmas.Here are some things I would like for Christ-mas:— Poke Park #1 Pika-chue‛s Adventure— Lego Police Station— Lego Fire Station— Pokemon Black and White 2— My little Pony a Can-terlot Wedding Castle And those are my top five things I want for Christmas this year. Hope you are feeling well and please leave a little something for my Mom, Dad, Maria and Wolfy. Love from

Cassidy B, Happy Holidays!

Dear Santa,Is it cold where you

live? For Christmas, I would like to ask for a BIG bean bag chair,

angry bird bedding, a BIG combine and if you know something else I might like, you can sur-prise me! Because I like surprises! Merry Christ-mas! HO HO HO! Love, Elliot

Skocdopole

Dear Santa,How are Mrs. Claus

and the elves? I would

like for Christmas, a beanbag chair (grey coloured) and a Rafters lace-up jersey (NHL) and a couple pair of PJ pants and a Staedtler lumograph sketch set and a triplus fineliner 20-pieces set and a big, fluffy monster en-ergy blanket and a mini fridge, please.

Sincerely, Chandler Skocdopole

Dear Santa Claus,How are you doing

this year? How about those elves? I hope you have an awesome Christmas! I would love a 12-gun, gun safe and a couple cabbalas gift cards, plus a trail cam-era and a pair of camo sun glasses … thanks for reading my letters! Sincerely, Alex

Skocdopole


4607 - 50 Ave., Stettler

403-742-5025

Just add

No matter how you say it, we hope yourholiday season is perfect in every way.

Thank you for your loyal support.

With appreciation to all those who have helped to make the season a bright one for us.

We really value your business and look forward to the pleasure of serving you again, soon. Happy Holidays!

Phone403-742-0779

ENJOY LOTS OFHOLIDAY FUN!

We wish you and your family a season full of fun, celebration and great times!

Thank you for your patronage andsupport throughout the year.

From all of us at

RoyalCanadian

Legion

As We Welcome the Holidays…

We’d like to take this opportunity to thank you for coming by this year. We wish you the best of the

season and hope your holidays roll along smoothlywith lots of happy celebrations along the way.It’s been our good fortune to have you for our

customer, and we look forward to seeing you again soon. Hope you have a very good new year.

From the managment & staff of

5002 - 48 St., Stettler 403-742-3311

We We you a you a Merry Christmas Merry Christmas

& a Happy New Year& a Happy New Year

We We you a you a Merry Christmas Merry Christmas

& a Happy New Yea& a Happy New Yearr

Dear Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus,

How are you? How are the elves? For Christ-

mas, I would like to ask for a beanbag chair (colour chocolate), tall muck lucks (any colour), PJ pants like my Mom‛s, a pink camera, “meow” Katy Perry perfume set and “dork diaries” books 1,3,4,5, “dear dumb di-ary” books (I already have #10 and my pants are haunted) and a big jewelry chest, please!

Sincerely, Bridget Skocdopole

Dear Santa,My name is Jinger

Skocdopole. I am al-most 19 months old.My three big brothers and my big sister said I should ask for a baby doll, and a Barbie. My Mommy thinks I should ask for a princess can-opy toddler bed and a baby stroller. I think I will be happy with some candy canes and choco-late in my stocking. But I will probably like to play with all the wrap-ping paper and empty boxes the best!

Kisses and hugs,Jinger


To All OurTo All OurGOOD FRIENDSGOOD FRIENDS

At The HolidaysAt The Holidays

From all of us, to From all of us, to all of you, go our all of you, go our warm wishes for thewarm wishes for thebrightest holiday brightest holiday season ever! You’ve season ever! You’ve helped make this a helped make this a wonderful year for us wonderful year for us and we look forward to and we look forward to serving you in the new serving you in the new year!year!

FromFromthesethese

DonaldaDonalda& area& area

businessesbusinesses

Re-Covery Room Upholstery & Furniture Refinishing

403-883-2274

Van Haga Trucking

For all your general trucking needsBen & Tammy & staff

403-883-2679

EchoglenGardens

Donalda

403-883-2849

Todd’sWelding

Phone 403-883-2570Fax 403-883-2576

John’s Vending

Ltd.Donalda

403-883-2287

Teresa’sCatering

Donalda

403-883-2780

Villageof

Donalda403-883-2345

• Crude Oil Trucking • Condensate Trucking• Oil Marketing Services

Phone: 403-742-4189 3811 - 46 Avenue

Crude Services Inc

We’re sporting our holiday cheerTo thank you for your visit here

And no matter what you playMay it all go smoothly this holiday!Season’s Greetings from

Ken, Lenore & Staff of

GUNS ‘N’ GAMESGUNS ‘N’ GAMES

We’ve enjoyed your visits in 2012,And hope to see you all again --

For one thing that we know is true,We wouldn’t be here without all of you!So without any fanfare or further delay,

We’d like to wish you all a great holiday!

K-OSS KLEANING4707 - 50 Street, Stettler 403-742-0080

Here’s hoping joy tops it all this holiday season!For all the joy you’ve given us this year, we are sincerely grateful, and look forward to seeing you again in 2013.

403-742-47473811 - 46 Ave.,

Stettler, AB


Stettler students helpto ‘drive away hunger’

With well wishes to our patients and their families during this festive time of year. We thank you for the privilege of caring for you. Merry Christmas!

Dr. Drummond, Dr. Agwaze & staff

STETTLERMEDICAL CLINIC


More than 1,800 pounds of food were do-nated to the Stettler food bank this fall as students from two schools packed a trailer to help Farm Credit Canada to “drive away hunger.”

“We got great results and collected about 1,860 pounds of food,” said FCC’s Ron Podbielski as he visited Stettler, oneof the 40 communitiesselected for the tour.

“For a community this size, that’s an incredible amount of food donated. This doesn’t happen with-

out people committed to making a difference.”

Stettler and District Food Bank was grateful for the students’ support, which came just shortly after Stettler’s annual community food blitz.

“It’s amazing that the community can do this and be so generous, soon after the annual food blitz,” said Kathy Willis, managing director of the food bank.

“We are absolutely thrilled.”

She said the food would assist the food

bank to package and dis-tribute food hampers to the applicants who need them the most.

“Stettler community support has been fantas-tic,” said Jon Hironaka of FCC Stettler-Camrose.

“This is a way to help raise awareness for the needs of residents and a way to promote and en-courage people to give back to the community.”

Stettler had last par-ticipated in the hunger tour about four years ago. FCC alters the locations to try to serve as many communities as possible.

“I get emotional, knowing children are hungry and seeing other kids helping out and buy-ing food, knowing it will go to those hungry kids,” Podbielski said.

“Did you know that nearly 40 per cent of the almost 900,000 people who use a Canadian food bank each month are chil-dren? That’s more than 300,000 kids right here at home who regularly have to go hungry.

“Thanks to generous Canadians like you, FCC Drive Away Hunger col-lected more than 2.4 mil-lion pounds of food for food banks across the country in 2011.”

Check out our website at www.johnsonconnor.com

Phone 403-742-2392

May health andhappiness be yours during this wonderful season and throughout the new year.

Customers like youare the heart of our success,and we thank you for your

generous support.

Happy Holidays fromScott, Lisa, Leslie, Lorri,Fran, Wendy, Michelle,

Susan & Claudia

Johnson Connor Agencies 7007A - 50 Ave.,Hwy. 12 WestSTETTLER

1-866-742-2647

Greetings of the Season

... And many thanks for your generous support all year long.

Stettler Agency

REINBOLD PETROLEUM LTD.


From the staff of

From the staff at

“Your Power Team Headquarters”AFTER HOURS TELEPHONE

Sales: Regan Finlay 780-372-2043 * 403-740-6494 (cell)Terry Jobs 403-740-9473

Parts: 403-742-8327General Manager - Tracey Peters

Hwy. 12 East, Stettler 403-742-8327

403-742-6277403-742-6277

Bob & Rosemarie& staff

In The Spirit Of The SeasonIn The Spirit Of The Season

At the birth of our Savior, we’d like to join you and your family in giving thanks for the many blessings we share, including the friendship of good people like you. Merry Christmas!

LES STULBERG/Independent reporter

O CHRISTMAS TREE — Dining in front of the “family tree” at Heart Haven Lodge in Stettler are Lydia Morlock (left), Rosemary Rymal and Anna Sherriff. Activities co-ordinator Chris Coolen designed the tree, which features pictures of all 62 lodge residents.


FREE TRAIN RIDESFREE TRAIN RIDES

In co-operation with Alberta Prairie Railway Excursions

11:00am, 1:00pm, 3:00pm & 5:00pmFREE for Everyone – Donations of food or $5 to the food bank appreciated.

Ride for a chance to WIN $500* and other great prizes

Prize sponsored by Alberta Prairie Railway Excursions & SDBA, given in Heart of Alberta dollars*

FREE MOVIESFREE MOVIES

Ice Age 4:Continental Drift

11 am and 5 pmat Jewel Theatre

Bring donation for Food Bank

FREE HAY RIDESFREE HAY RIDES

5 pm – 8 pmby Agro Stettler

Pickups at Christmas TreeIntersection, Home Hardware

& Lawlor Jewelry

Home Hardware

Free AppleCider &Popcorn11am - 4pm

John’s Clothing& Shoes

Free Cookies& Apple Cider

9am - 9pm

Jim’s Video

2 for $5viewed movies

3 for $20viewed blu-ray

$5.99played games

10am - 9pm

HHHHHoHHHHHo aarreeeeeeeoHommmmeemmeememememmm HHHHHHHHHHHaaararararara dddwdddwddwdwdwdwwwwaa

Designer Frames

Free Chocolates & 20% Off Storewide10am - 9pm

DDDDDDDeDDDe mmmememeeeeessssssssseDe isisiiisiiisississ gggngngngnggnerererrer FFFFFFFFFFFrrarrrarararamm

Cabinet ofCuriosities

FreeCupcakes &Hot Toddies

10am - 9pm

nggggngggng

ieeeeeeeeesssssssssssssssssseeeeeeeeeeeeerrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrddeeeeeeeeeeerrrrrrrrr

Lawlor Jewelry

Free Hot Chocolate11am - 9pm

yyyy

e

Panda Flowers

Free Christmas Candies & 20% Off Storewide

10am - 9pm

Pfeiffer Houseof Music

Free Candy Canes& Pre-BoxingWeek Specials

1pm - 5pm

FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFrrrrParty Maxx

FreeCandy

11am - 5pm

Savage Value Drug MartFree Hot

Chocolate &Pre-Boxing Day

Specials12pm - 6pm

Suzanne’s& Jenny’s

Free Treats10am - 9pm

eeeeeee

esssssssssssssannnneeeeeeeeeeeeessssssssssssssssssngggglslsggg

eeeee

WISH Kitchen & Gift

Free Gourmet Dips & Tea

10am - 9pm

Tom’s Boots

Free Candy& Western Style

Calendarstil 9pm

Th e Night Before Th e Night BeforeTh e Night Before Th e Night BeforeYour Stettler Downtown Business Your Stettler Downtown Business AssociationAssociation invites you t invites you too

Th e Night Before Th e Night BeforeSunday, December 23rd on Main StreetSunday, December 23rd on Main Street

Word of Life Church

Free Soup,Chili, Buns,

& Apple Cider5pm - 7:30pm

FREE REFRESHMENTS AND FREE REFRESHMENTS AND OTHER EVENTS OTHER EVENTS AT MANYAT MANY

DOWNTOWN BUSINESSES!DOWNTOWN BUSINESSES!

Stettler style

Season’s GreetingsSeason’s Greetings

special features - christmas cronicle

Documents